I became very familiar with the physical healing properties of salt. Sometimes it stung a bit, but it always helped.

As I grew up I learned the benefits of using just the right amount of salt in cooking and baking.

Even sprinkled on fresh fruit (watermelon or avocado!), salt enhances the natural flavor without overpowering. It brings out the goodness that is already there.

In the same way that a sprinkling of salt can heal, purify, preserve, and enhance; the right words and actions, when prompted by the Holy Spirit at the right moment, can affect positive change on those around us.

“You are the salt of the earth,” said Jesus. “But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13

As Christ followers, we are told that we are the salt of the earth. We are an ingredient in His perfect recipe that has the ability, even responsibility, to bring about change.

Not by pouring out condemnation, but by sprinkling His Word and love into the situations and lives that we come in contact with.

We are meant to flavor, to heal, to preserve, and to draw others to God. To live a salty life is to let the Holy Spirit shine through you in all you do. Just as with food though, a little can go a long way.

It has been almost 3 decades since my childhood friend, Kristan, silenced a group of junior high girls with a few humble words. Her words left my 14 year old self changed forever.

There was a group of girls sitting together after cheerleading tryouts and we started talking about a girl who wasn’t there. Even then, at least on some level, we all knew that gossiping was wrong.

Without missing a beat, raising her voice, or mentioning Jesus, Kristan told the whole lot of us that she did not want to gossip and preferred that we talk about something else. The rest of us looked at her, then looked away. Her words had stung, and silenced us, but there was nothing to be mad about. I knew she was right and I had been wrong. Kristan had the courage, the confidence, and conviction to stand up for what she believed in. She put her faith into action. umbly, kindly, and with love she sprinkled salt into our conversation and into my life by sharing her faith.

I respected her more than ever and wanted for myself whatever it was that gave her such inner strength. It would be many years before I realized it was God.

In the years since then I have thought of that moment every time someone around me gossips.

Those few truthful words led my young heart closer to God. That is what salt can do: lead another closer to the Lord, to His Word and everlasting life.

If Kristan had scolded, I never would have heard the underlying message. I would have been too busy defending myself.

If we show our faith by condemning others, we will never share God’s love. I wouldn’t want to get to know someone who was always criticizing me.

But if we share our faith with the intent to heal, to share love, and to preserve, then those around us are part of God’s blessing. They are able to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).

This article is featured in Issue No. 5. To subscribe to Part&Parcel, go here.